The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) received a significant financial boost, with the Japanese government announcing an initial contribution of 417 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$3 million). This important milestone was jointly announced by Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and Japan’s Foreign Minister, Iwaya Takeshi, in Tokyo.
Baron Waqa highlighted the PRF as a pivotal initiative aimed at bolstering the climate and disaster resilience of vulnerable grassroots communities across Pacific Island nations. He emphasized that the PRF is designed by Pacific nations for their own needs, addressing the challenges posed by increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters and climate change.
The recent funding not only underscores Japan’s commitment to developing sustainable and locally-led solutions but also represents a call to action for other development partners to support the capitalisation of the PRF. Waqa remarked that this initial contribution reflects the strength of the partnership between Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum, which seeks to enhance regional cooperation through continued dialogue with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The PRF is the first international financial institution to be collectively owned by Pacific Islands Forum member governments. It aims to deliver small-scale grant financing to support community-based projects focusing on disaster preparedness, response, and climate adaptation. Waqa noted the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of climate challenges.
Plans for the PRF’s formal establishment include a treaty signing at the 54th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting scheduled for September 2025, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2026. As the facility gathers more contributions and builds collaboration with multilateral institutions and global climate funds, it brings hope for enhanced resilience in the region.
The strong momentum behind the PRF reflects a larger commitment to climate action and sustainable development across the Pacific, offering an encouraging outlook for affected communities as they work towards a more secure and resilient future.
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